An Apple Watch isn't just an accessory or an excuse for a second screen around your wrist. After a year of testing out the Apple Watch, I've found it to be a helpful sleep tracker, the world's most convenient timer for when my hands are dirty in the kitchen, a phone-free text or call receiver/sender, and an exercise motivator and mid-workout monitor.
The Apple Watch started out as a sleek fitness tracker and has evolved into an essential companion for iPhone users. Apple's smartwatches have an arsenal of convenient capabilities like supplying your boarding pass for a flight, identifying a song playing nearby, opening your garage door, and alerting you when it's about to rain. It's also an expansive health monitoring system that can check your heart rate or guide you through a meditation.
What is the best Apple Watch right now?
Based on my years of testing, my pick for the best Apple Watch overall is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, thanks to its large screen, 24-hour battery life, and emergency siren. The Ultra 2 delivers a durable and rugged build, ideal for fitness junkies and Apple enthusiasts. But maybe you're a recreational exerciser who is going to use the smartwatch less for iron mans and marathons and more for recording morning walks or answering calls and texts without your iPhone. I recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 for most people who want the best out of Apple Watch without the rugged build of the Ultra 2.
Also: The best iPhones of 2025: Which model should you buy?
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The best Apple Watches of 2025
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers more exclusive features than any other Apple Watch model so far. The most notable difference between the Ultra and other Apple Watch models is its larger, brighter, and flatter screen. The screen is covered by a sapphire crystal face and surrounded by a titanium case to increase the amount of wear and tear the watch can handle. It's also IPX6 dust resistant, works underwater up to 328 feet (100 meters), and has military-grade (MIL-STD 810H) certification for ruggedness. Plus, the Ultra 2 can handle high altitudes, shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures ranging from 4 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Review: Apple Watch Ultra 2 ZDNET contributing writer Matthew Miller tried out the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when it was released last year, and said he recommended the watch "for its long battery life, brighter display, expanded connectivity, and new watch bands" while also being impressed by the improved mental health functionality via the Mindfulness app. The Ultra 2's features include a programmable Action Button with a variety of workout and adventuring functions (including activating the flashlight), dual-frequency GPS that can overcome interference from mountains and skyscrapers, and louder dual-integrated speakers for taking phone calls, playing music, or interacting with Siri. Many Amazon reviewers say that this is the best Apple Watch model they have ever used, particularly noting the watch's quality and large 49mm screen with 3,000 nits of brightness. Beyond that, the Ultra offers one key addition to the Apple Watch Series 9 lineup: an emergency siren (activated by holding down the Action Button), which belts out an 86-decibel sound pattern that can be heard up to 600 feet (180 meters) away. This can be useful in a variety of scenarios, including to scare off an attacker or to alert others to your location if you're lost or hurt in the outdoors alone. At the time of publication, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with GPS and cellular costs $800 on Amazon. Apple Watch Ultra 2 tech specs: Display Size: 49mm | Battery life: Up to 72 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Features: Sturdy titanium case and sapphire crystal face, enhanced safety features including a built-in siren, dual-frequency GPS, works up to 328 feet underwater Health & wellness 10 Build quality/durability 10 Advanced features 8 Applications 10 Core functionality 10 Pros Larger, brighter, more useful screen
Over 24-hour battery life
Super durable
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